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May 31, 2007
Quite the unexpectedly...
... big day from the tech industry. Either that or these folks have finally learned to keep a secret. Microsoft gave us a rather cool table that is far too cost inhibitive for the average household. It's aimed at business. A table that is essentially touch sensitive and intelligent that acts as an interface for computing. I can see uses for it on a consumer level, but I don't think it's really ideal for ALL computing needs. For instance, I can't imagine word processing on it.
Apple finally gave us DRM free music in the iTunes store. There are quite a few big bands amongst the DRM free ranks. I noted that most of the Smashing Pumpkins, Pink Floyd, and Rolling Stones albums are there. There was also quite a bit of newer music like the Gorillaz work up there.
Apple also got loose-lipped about a 160gb AppleTV that allows you to watch YouTube videos. Despite my general despise for YouTube, there's really no way of getting around the fact that it's pretty much the most popular Web 2.0 video site around. It's a good direction for Apple to go in. Much like the DRM free music, focussing on content with fewer restrictions.
Apple, or Steve Jobs... same difference... also revealed that they are working on a way to bring 3rd party software to the iPhone while still maintaining it's security. Thats quite the ambitious goal.
Palm released what appears to be a laptop... still wrapping my brain around that since it kind of defeates the purpose of a Palm device.
HTC produced a sleek new multi-touch device. HTC is more widely known in the US under a variety of brands. They are the makers of the T-Mobile Dash, Wing, MDA, SDA... the Cingular 8525. 8125... basically any phone that's carrier branded is made by HTC. They have probably a dozen devices on the market currently, including some of the highest rated Windows Mobile devices. They also have the only 2 Windows Mobile 6.0 devices available in the US on the market. So that's pretty big news in sheep's clothing. I happen to like HTC... and it'll be a pitty to see it devoured by the iPhone.
Like the Apple fanboy I am... I upgraded the portion of my iTunes library that was eligible to DRM free status. It cost less than 10 dollars and upgraded 26 of my tracks and 1 music video??? Not bad price-wise as I can now use them on any MP3 player... Which I subsequently realized was a stupid idea since the only audio device I own is my iPod. LOL You win some you lose some right?
Still, perhaps my early adoption of DRM free tracks will help Apple recognize that it is moving in the right direction. It's a pretty big risk for Apple to sell tracks that can be used on any device since the iTunes store isn't really profitable, it's more a vehicle they use to push iPods. Of course, with over 80 percent marketshare, I'm sure they don't have a lot to worry about.
Well, that is my very slanted view of the biggest of today's news in the tech world... oh yeah... and Bill Gates and Steve Jobs agreed to sit down and have an open debate... did I miss something? It's apparently chilly in Hell these days.
Posted by Decemberice at 12:33 AM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2007
In Loving Memory of Dad (1947-2006)
... because this is one of the songs he wanted played at his funeral and he would have thought that the scenery was beautiful. I never shared his passion for the beauty of nature while he was alive, it's rather funny how much you realize somebody was right once they are gone and you don't have the opportunity to tell them how right they really were.
Posted by Decemberice at 11:11 PM | Comments (0)
Rekindling an old flame...
... and facing some tough decisions. It's never easy to lose somebody. And it's even worse when you've lost somebody and have the chance to win them back, but it requires hurting people in the process. Yeah, that's damn near 90210 bullshit right thrrr.
The last two weeks has been an interesting time of transition for me. I've more or less been reminded of who I am on an all but cellular level. What I am at my very core. The things I like, what I love, and ... who I love.
At the same time I find myself remembering why I left all of that behind for a more reserved and timid life.
I've decided to let Silverchair say it best as they always do. This pretty much sums up the love hate relationship I left and will probably take up again:
Need to ask a question
Calling out my name
Nothing seems to bother
Wish I had a clue
C'mon abuse me more I like it
Well I don't think you like me
Well I hate you as well
No one seems to like you
Wish I couldn't tell
C'mon abuse me more I like it
C'mon keep talking 'cause it's true
C'mon abuse me more I like it
Posted by Decemberice at 09:57 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2007
I don't always do the right things...
... when it comes to life. Today I feel extremely bad because I hurt somebody's feelings who I really care about. I guess I shouldn't spend so much time second guessing myself and trying to be something I'm not because it always ends like this.
In addition to that I'm preparing to go to the ER at the moment. Yes, I'm blogging before I leave. That's what they call internet addiction. I have thoroughly screwed up my back and decided that I would give it a brief period for the swelling to go down and for my joints to stop aching before I make a mad dash for the hospital.
Coincidently, I often tell people that "sometimes people fall down stairs." That's exactly what happened to me. I can't help but think it's fate kicking my ass for making such a great person sad.
Posted by Decemberice at 04:12 PM | Comments (0)